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Solving a multiple-criteria optimization problem with severe constraints remains a significant issue in multi-objective evolutionary algorithms. The problem primarily stems from the need for a suitable constraint handling technique. One potential approach is balancing the search in feasible and infeasible regions to find the Pareto front efficiently. The justification for such a strategy is that the infeasible region also provides valuable information, especially in problems with a small percentage of feasibility areas. To that end, this paper investigates the potential of the infeasibility-driven principle based on multiple constraint ranking-based techniques to solve a multi-objective problem with a small feasibility ratio. By analyzing the results from intensive experiments on a set of test problems, including the realistic multi-objective car structure design and actuator design problem, it is shown that there is a significant improvement gained in terms of convergence by utilizing the generalized version of the multiple constraint ranking techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the anomalies generated by various subsurface targets and their responses to different geophysical techniques in various subsoil types is critical to near-surface geophysical investigations. Geophysical test site (GTS) plays a vital role in near-surface geophysical investigations and related Earth sciences to adequately predict the geometries and anomalies generated by the subsurface targets. Therefore, developing a GTS on a site requires some technical efficiencies, mechanical procedures, engineering concepts and scientific approach, depending on the operating environment and the purpose of construction. This paper reviews the evolving roles of GTS in engineering, sciences, and technology via remarkable pedagogical and scientific research. The procedures for designing and installing GTS were also discussed. Every constructed GTS is unique and has its operating environment and sets of scientific requirements. As a result, the execution of GTS should be subjected to numerous factors that invariably affect the overall long time usage and performance. Comparative studies of GTS activities indicate that GTS is a vital geophysical research and academic platform to enrich the outcomes of the geophysical modelling for near-surface geophysical applications in engineering, science and technology. The evolving application of GTS has greatly impacted the field of science and engineering by enhancing the knowledge and understanding of the earth's interior, which invariably affects the engineers, geophysicists, archaeologists and geologists to be critical in the analysis, interpretation, and providing precise and accurate information of subsurface anomalies underlying the uppermost soil of the earth's crust. After a critical investigation, it was noted that the installation of GTSs is usually conceived to replicate situations often encountered in field investigation contexts. Examination shows that GTS can provide an ideal platform for young geoscientists, engineers and archaeologists to acquire the requisite skills, knowledge, technical know-how, and professional techniques for resolving near-surface challenges in real-life work situations. More also, a well-developed and equipped GTS could be a watershed in technological advancement, research development, and new scientific ideas. The GTS platform also indicates a promising pedagogical approach to geophysical educational usage, research mobilization, and development of new shallow geophysical techniques for various near-surface investigation and calibrating/testing geophysical equipment, which invariably catalyzed engineering designs, scientific concepts and technological advancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complexity is often regarded as a "problem" to solve. Instead of attempting to solve complexity, we follow systems engineering practices and switch back to the problem domain, where a major obstacle is the impossibility to universally define complexity. As a workaround, we explored complexity characterization and its existing shortcomings, including: lack of standardization, inconsistent semantics, system-centricity, insufficiently transparent reasoning, and lack of validation. To address these shortcomings, we proposed a compilatory framework to characterize complexity using the Five Ws information-gathering method. The answer to the WHO question proposed four complexity viewpoints; the answer to the WHY question proposed a two-dimensional structure for complexity drivers; and the answer to the WHAT question derived generalized complexity challenges. As a preliminary step to show the potential of the framework to characterize complexity, we used and validated it as a tool to structure general literature related to complexity. In general, our findings suggest that papers with complexity solutions do not frame their research within the complexity problem domain, hindering the contribution evaluation. Through the viewpoints, we identified general research gaps of six solution directions. From the drivers, we noted three observations in the discourse of complexity origins: (1) a system-driven tendency, (2) a preference for concreteness vs. abstraction, and (3) an unclear distinction between origins and effects. Through the challenges' findings we explored two hypotheses: (1) a system-centric preference; and (2) a solution-oriented vision, both of which were supported by the results (most challenges relate to the system viewpoint and challenges are defined based on solution directions). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to expand our knowledge on interdisciplinary design education by focusing on team development, which has remained a less explored aspect of interdisciplinary collaboration so far. An interdisciplinary design studio course, Collaborative Design, for food engineering and industrial design students in higher education provides the research context. The empirical basis of the paper comes from interviews with students on their experiences of interdisciplinary collaboration in the course, and the educator's observation notes. Drawing on these data, this article critically reflects on how and to what extent the teaching materials, methods and strategies incorporated into the course design guided and supported students' transition through the four stages of becoming a performing interdisciplinary team. The article concludes with four suggestions for design educators. First, encountering new ways of thinking, talking and doing that make sense for both disciplines engages students in interdisciplinary collaboration. Second, humour and positive social relations play an important role in team success in all stages of team development. Third, using the first weeks of the course to reveal the disciplinary differences and potential issues that would lead to conflicts through class discussions and warm-up activities facilitates a smooth transition from forming to norming. Fourth, adequate representation of each discipline should be ensured both in the design problem and solution, and among the tutors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chameleon swarm algorithm (CSA) is a newly proposed swarm intelligence algorithm inspired by the chameleon's foraging strategies of tracking, searching and attacking targets, and has shown well competitive performance with other state-of-the-art algorithms. Interestingly, CSA mathematically models and implements the steps of chameleon's unique food-seeking behavior. Nevertheless, the original CSA suffers from the challenges of insufficient exploitation ability, ease of falling into local optima, and low convergence accuracy in complex large-scale applications. Aiming at these challenges, an efficient enhanced chameleon swarm algorithm termed MCSA, combined with fractional-order calculus, sinusoidal adjustment of parameters and crossover-based comprehensive learning (CCL) strategy, is developed in this paper. Firstly, a good fractional-order calculus strategy is added to update the chameleon's attack velocity, which heightens the local search ability of CSA and accelerates the convergence speed of the algorithm; meanwhile, the sinusoidal adjustment of parameters is adopted to provide a better balance between exploration and exploitation of CSA. Secondly, the CCL strategy is used for the mutation to increase the diversity of the population and avoid becoming trapped in local optima. Three strategies enhance the overall performance and efficiency of the native CSA. Finally, the superiority of the presented MCSA is verified in detail by comparing it with native CSA and several state-of-the-art algorithms on the well-known 23 benchmark test functions, CEC2017 and CEC2019 test suites, respectively. Furthermore, the practicability of MCSA is also highlighted by six real-world engineering designs and two truss topology optimization problems. Simulation results demonstrate that MCSA has strong competitive capabilities and promising prospects. MCSA is potentially an excellent meta-heuristic algorithm for solving engineering optimization problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prussian blue (PB) and its analogs (PBAs) are considered one of the most promising materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). The typical PB with perfect structure and highly integrated lattice has excellent structural stability, but the possible structural defects inevitably generated in the synthesis process will deteriorate its structure during cycling, resulting in rapid capacity degradation, and impede their practical application. However, not all defects are detrimental, as proper defect construction can customize the local nature of PB to achieve outstanding new functions. This paper reviews various defect engineering designs for PBAs, such as the creation/suppression of cation or anion vacancies, the introduction of cation doping, the reduction of dislocation defects, and the construction of pore‐defect engineering. As a result, the structure–activity relationship between defects and electrochemical performance of SIBs is summarized. Moreover, the existing challenges and future development prospects are discussed, and the potential application of defect engineering in PBAs for SIBs is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital transformation – the pervasive incorporation of digital technology into virtually every process and system – is arguably the greatest force of change within the naval engineering community. Digital innovation is disrupting traditional ship design paradigms and giving rise to new ways of modernising and sustaining a future integrated force structure. This paper highlights digital transformation as a core strategic initiative that is aligned with the U.S. Department of Defense Digital Engineering Strategy. Recognising the need to expand the U.S. Navy's advantage over its competitors, this paper identifies foundational elements required to transform current engineering design and development processes. Next, a multi-factor framework is introduced to align traditional processes employed for physical system design and development with a new digital paradigm in recognition of the highly integrated nature of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). Finally, discussion will focus on efforts underway to leverage advanced computational models and highlight the digital engineering use case for Naval Power and Energy Systems (NPES). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biologically inspired metaheuristic algorithm obtains the optimal solution by simulating the living habits or behavior characteristics of creatures in nature. It has been widely used in many fields. A new bio-inspired algorithm, Aphids Optimization Algorithm (AOA), is proposed in this paper. This algorithm simulates the foraging process of aphids with wings, including the generation of winged aphids, flight mood, and attack mood. Concurrently, the corresponding optimization models are presented according to the above phases. At the phase of the flight mood, according to the comprehensive influence of energy and the airflow, the individuals adaptively choose the flight mode to migrate; at the phase of attack mood, individuals use their sense of smell and vision to locate food sources for movement. Experiments on benchmark test functions and two classical engineering design problems, indicate that the desired AOA is more efficient than other metaheuristic algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain boundary engineering (GBE) is one of the most successful processing strategies to improve the properties of polycrystalline solids. However, the extensive thermomechanical processes involved during GBE restrict its use to selected applications and materials. In this viewpoint paper, we discuss the opportunity provided by additive manufacturing (AM) technology to broaden the applicability of the GBE paradigm and, consequently, the design space for engineering materials. By integrating specially-designed thermomechanical processing within AM, it would be possible to produce bulk, near-net-shape parts with complex geometry and GBE microstructure. We discuss the major challenges in this endeavor and propose some possible strategies to achieve this goal, which we refer to as "additive-GBE". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To build a sustainable future, science and engineering education programmes should emphasise scientific investigation, collaboration across traditional science topics and disciplines, and engineering design, including design and evaluation of solutions. While some research studies articulate the shifts that are needed to realise classroom learning emphasizing investigation and design, fewer research studies help us to understand how we co-design these instructional programmes, including how experts from different essential disciplines collaborate towards an interdisciplinary instructional programme. We adopted a qualitative case study design to address the research question, What is the process of team co-construction of instructional materials that emphasize learning through both science investigation and engineering design? The paper outlines the first year of our team co-construction activities involving the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional materials for secondary science. Qualitative data included semi-structured interviews with nine team members and documentation in form of researcher field notes and learning artefacts. Two cycles of coding resulted in five major themes that served as the basis for the five-phase model of team co-construction of instructional materials. This study provides information on the kinds of partnerships and collaboration needed to realise instructional programmes for students' study of the interdisciplinary STEM-based challenges of tomorrow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper raises important questions about the way we approach numerical analysis in rock engineering design. The application of advanced numerical models is essential to adequately analyze and design different geotechnical aspects of pit-to-cave transitions. We present a critical review of numerical methods centered around the hypothesis that a model is not, and cannot be, a perfect imitation of reality; therefore, numerical modelling of large-scale mining projects requires the real problem to be idealized and simplified. The discussion highlights the dichotomy of continuum vs. discontinuum modelling and the important question of whether continuum models can effectively capture dynamic continuum-to-discontinuum processes typical of cave mining. The discussion is complemented by examples of hybrid continuum-discontinuum models to analyze the important problem of transitioning from surface (open pit) mining to underground mass mining (caving). The results demonstrate the hypothesis that forward modelling should be performed in the context of a risk-based approach, with numerical models becoming investigative tools to assess risk and evaluate the impact of different unknowns, thus classifying modelling outputs in terms of expected consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results from a prediction event, organized by the University of Western Australia (UWA) and the National Geotechnical Centrifuge Facility (NGCF), and performed as part of the International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics to assess uncertainty in predicting the monotonic and cyclic lateral response of conductors. Geotechnical professionals from around the world were invited to predict the response of a model conductor (a flexible pile) subjected to a series of loading sequences in a centrifuge. A normally consolidated fine-grained soil was used in the tests, which was characterized by soil elements and in-flight T-bar penetrometer testing. While some participants provided accurate predictions, the mean response was an overestimate of the monotonic and cyclic load at the pile head, which was significant for large and very small displacements. An analysis of the submissions is presented to quantify the variability of the predictions received, assess the consequences of each design, and relay the uncertainty associated with engineering judgment in design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A comprehensive framework for engineering design under uncertainty. • Focus on limited and partial information, time series, and black-box models. • Calibration, sensitivity analysis and RBDO performed with mixed uncertainty. • Efficient sampling of complex uncertainty models using sliced normal distributions. • Framework is demonstrated on the 2020 NASA challenge on design under uncertainty. In this paper we present a framework for addressing a variety of engineering design challenges with limited empirical data and partial information. This framework includes guidance on the characterisation of a mixture of uncertainties, efficient methodologies to integrate data into design decisions, and to conduct reliability analysis, and risk/reliability based design optimisation. To demonstrate its efficacy, the framework has been applied to the NASA 2020 uncertainty quantification challenge. The results and discussion in the paper are with respect to this application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Engineering design and operational decisions depend largely on deep understanding of applications that requires assumptions for simplification of the problems in order to find proper solutions. Cutting-edge machine learning algorithms can be used as one of the emerging tools to simplify this process. In this paper, we propose a novel scalable and interpretable machine learning framework to automate this process and fill the current gap. Design/methodology/approach: The essential principles of the proposed pipeline are mainly (1) scalability, (2) interpretibility and (3) robust probabilistic performance across engineering problems. The lack of interpretibility of complex machine learning models prevents their use in various problems including engineering computation assessments. Many consumers of machine learning models would not trust the results if they cannot understand the method. Thus, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) approach is employed to interpret the developed machine learning models. Findings: The proposed framework can be applied to a variety of engineering problems including seismic damage assessment of structures. The performance of the proposed framework is investigated using two case studies of failure identification in reinforcement concrete (RC) columns and shear walls. In addition, the reproducibility, reliability and generalizability of the results were validated and the results of the framework were compared to the benchmark studies. The results of the proposed framework outperformed the benchmark results with high statistical significance. Originality/value: Although, the current study reveals that the geometric input features and reinforcement indices are the most important variables in failure modes detection, better model can be achieved with employing more robust strategies to establish proper database to decrease the errors in some of the failure modes identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Target design methodologies (DfX) were developed to cope with specific engineering design issues such as cost-effectiveness, manufacturability, assemblability, maintainability, among others. However, DfX methodologies are undergoing the lack of real integration with 3D CAD systems. Their principles are currently applied downstream of the 3D modelling by following the well-known rules available from the literature and engineers' know-how (tacit internal knowledge). This paper provides a method to formalize complex DfX engineering knowledge into explicit knowledge that can be reused for Advanced Engineering Informatics to aid designers and engineers in developing mechanical products. This research work wants to define a general method (ontology) able to couple DfX design guidelines (engineering knowledge) with geometrical product features of a product 3D model (engineering parametric data). A common layer for all DfX methods (horizontal) and dedicated layers for each DfX method (vertical) allow creating the suitable ontology for the systematic collection of the DfX rules considering each target. Moreover, the proposed framework is the first step for developing (future work) a software tool to assist engineers and designers during product development (3D CAD modelling). A design for assembly (DfA) case study shows how to collect assembly rules in the given framework. It demonstrates the applicability of the CAD-integrated DfX system in the mechanical design of a jig-crane. Several benefits are recognized: (i) systematic collection of DfA rules for informatics development, (ii) identification of assembly issues in the product development process, and (iii) reduction of effort and time during the design review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Highlighting the status, inherent barriers, and challenges of multi-material 4D printing. • A strategic research roadmap based on the opportunities and challenges in engineering and interdisciplinary design. • Proposal of a design for 4D printing framework. The combination of scientific advances in additive manufacturing (AM) and smart materials (SMs) has enabled the development of a new interdisciplinary research area: 4D printing. This technology offers – via stimuli-responsive materials – promising transformation capabilities to objects whether at the functional, shape, or property levels. By considering such capabilities, researchers from multiple disciplines have investigated a large spectrum of stimuli-SMs associations with proofs-of-concept built from either commercial or custom 3D printers. Despite the abundant initiatives, 4D printing requires additional developments to meet robust system applications for the industry. The paper aims to highlight the status, inherent barriers, and challenges of 4D printing to be addressed from a product-systems design perspective. It firstly reminds the fundamentals of SMs, processes, stimulus, and AM to which a synthesis of significant research works related to 4D printing highlighting the current status as well as scientific, technical, and organizational limitations is provided. Beyond this comprehensive study, the paper emphasizes opportunities and challenges from multiple perspectives and draws a research roadmap for engineering design and cross-disciplinary design. The outcome of the work tends to structure research efforts for the next decade towards the development of smart products that meet use for humans and the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses ways to teach engineering fundamentals with simple materials. Topics discussed include tips and tricks to use paper effectively to teach engineering principles to children, thousands of STEM/STEAM challenges available in books and online and working of Marina Bernasuli, Technology Coordinator at the Browning School, by using engineering with paper projects throughout the 2020-21 school year.

Tertiary programmes in a discipline such as engineering must balance the competing needs of two key stakeholders: the university that designs and delivers the programme, and the professional body that accredits it. Programme and curriculum design in universities is traditionally bottom-up in nature, with courses designed by individual academics, and assembled into cognate programmes. Graduate qualities and accreditation criteria are mapped retrospectively onto the structure. Designing programmes from the top down, driven byuniversity and the accreditation body needs, is a desirable goal. However, without proper support tools, balancing competing needs across multiple courses and year levels is a complex task. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) was created for this precise purpose. Treating the design of a tertiary programme the same as the design of a system suggests that QFD, and the implementation tool known as the House of Quality (HoQ), should be ideally suited to this purpose. The aim of this paper is to show how QFD and the HoQ can be applied to the design of an engineering programme, creating a specification that accurately reflects the voices of stakeholders, and serves as a benchmark for validating that these needs have been met in the implemented design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BIM (building information modeling) is a kind of technology that has great potential to enhance the level of automation in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects. The created virtual model of the facility allows coordinating all industries during the entire life cycle of the building. The possibility to save the data related to the given facility in one place, namely in the BIM model, enables control and management of the AEC projects at every stage. During the design and implementation phase, BIM models facilitate the optimization of time, costs, and quality, and in the operational phase, they support effective management of the facility. The use of BIM for building energy modeling (BEM) is the next step of evolution in architecture and engineering design practice. The benefits of using the BIM approach are widely discussed in the literature; however, they may be hard to achieve if appropriate attention is not directed to minimizing the barriers to the implementation of this technology. Observing Europe, one can notice that western and northern countries successfully use BIM for their needs, while the countries of the Eastern Bloc, including Poland, introduce it at a slower pace. In the present paper, the authors conducted a cause-and-effect analysis of the identified barriers to the implementation of BIM technology in the construction process. For this purpose, the authors applied the Ishikawa diagram, which is a tool that helps to recognize the actual or potential causes of failure. The analysis conducted showed that one of the weakest links in the successful BIM implementation is people and, in particular, their lack of knowledge and reluctance to change. The authors indicated the need to introduce and strengthen preventive actions, mainly through education: training, courses, and studies focused on BIM technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents lessons from the process of creating and implementing an engineering design course in the Azraq refugee camp in Jordan over multiple iterations from 2016 to 2019. This design course used an innovative localised engineering in displacement curriculum, integrating an active, blended, collaborative, and democratic learning environment. The idea of 'localisation,' building off of authentic learning and participatory design, was central to the contextualised design we use, tailored to local assets, and showcased in capstone projects at the end of the course. The capstone projects consisted of realistic design solutions to problems that refugees faced in their daily lives. We present findings that include a description of the course design and the students' localised products. Further, our thematic analysis provides insights into both the contextual challenges in implementing engineering courses and co-design in refugee camps as well as the pedagogical response to these challenges. Overall, we describe as a general outcome of our study the novel approach to teaching engineering design for learners in the Azraq refugee camp, which could be applied in other contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Modeling and simulation are key tools to optimizing systems prior to prototyping. • Simulating a model with sophisticated sampling methods characterize the trade space. • Design of experiments support model verification and surrogate modeling. • Surrogate models provide a rapid trade space exploration tool. • DOE-based M&S surrogates support model calibration and validation with test data. Modern computing resources provide scientists, engineers, and system design teams the ability to study phenomena, such as system behavior, in a virtual setting. Computational modeling and simulation (M&S) enables engineers to avoid many of the challenges encountered in traditional design engineering, including the design, manufacture, and testing of expensive prototypes prior to having an optimized design. However, the use of M&S carries its own challenges, such as the computational time and resources required to execute effective studies, and uncertainties arising from simplifying assumptions inherent to computer models, which are intended to be an approximate representation of reality. In recent year advances have been made in a number of areas related to the efficient and reliable use of M&S for system evaluations, including design & analysis of computer experiments, uncertainty quantification, probabilistic analysis, response optimization, and data synthesis techniques. In this review paper, a general framework for systematically executing efficient M&S studies at the component-level, product-level, system-level, and system-of-systems-level is described. A case study is used to demonstrate how statistical and probabilistic techniques can be integrated with M&S to address those challenges inherent to model-based engineering, and how this aligns with the proposed workflow. The example is a gun-launch dynamics model of an artillery projectile developed by US Army engineers, and illustrates the application of this workflow in the study of subsystem system reliability, performance, and end-to-end system-level characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on an invited lecture presented at the ARMA (ARMA-American Rock Mechanics Association) 2018 Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, Seattle, WA. June 17–20, 2018. At the time of the invitation, the author was preparing an "Appendices" to a book (Sikora (2018) Charles Fairhurst—The Long Shadow published (via Amazon) by Itasca Consulting Group) to be published by Itasca Consulting Group—but page limitations required that the "Appendices" be eliminated. The invitation from ARMA provided an ideal opportunity to present the essence of the notes to professional colleagues. This paper attempts to expand on the presentation in Seattle. At the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) in 1962, Dr. Müller emphasized the central importance of large-scale discontinuities and anisotropy in rock engineering, and the need to establish a discipline distinct from the continuum fields of elasticity and plasticity. With the benefit of over 50 years of hindsight, it is clear that both elasticity and plasticity are important in rock mechanics—but discontinuities, especially on the scale of engineering projects, can be critical. Having been involved with the development of rock mechanics at the University of Minnesota since the late 1950s; with Professor Cundall as a faculty colleague since 1972; and with the founding of Itasca Consulting Group in 1981, the topic of discontinuities in rock has been a prominent long-standing concern to the 'Minnesota group'. Theoretical developments in mechanics are often stimulated by experimental observations in classical 'bench-scale' laboratories. Thus, elasticity theory was stimulated by Hooke's experiments (1678) and plasticity by Tresca's experiments (1864). Even if it was possible to construct a laboratory to test 'specimens' of a rock mass on a scale sufficient to include large discontinuities, separation from the rock mass would remove in situ forces from the specimen, resulting in unknown changes to the specimen. What are the options to establish the constitutive behavior of the rock mass? Where is the laboratory? This paper discusses past attempts to answer this question and suggests a direction for the future.Rock in situ is unlike any other material encountered in engineering. Typically, it will vary in age from several hundreds of millions to as much as a few billions of years. Rocks of different composition and mechanical properties are often adjacent to each other. Subject to changing tectonic forces and gravity over this period, the rock mass is mechanically complex, and usually contains systems of fractures and mechanical interfaces, varying from grain boundaries to tectonic plate boundaries. Within this range, discontinuities comparable in size to the dimensions of engineering projects in rock are of particular concern to designers. The International Society for Rock Mechanics [Recently re-named International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. The acronym (ISRM) has been retained] was formed in 1962 to focus attention on the need to develop mechanic-based design procedures to give due consideration to such discontinuities. The paper reflects on approaches taken to address this concern in the almost 6 decades since formation of ISRM. Early efforts concentrated on testing of large physical models in a laboratory, plus a variety of efforts to incorporate discrete discontinuities into continuum mechanics. Particular attention is given to the development of the Discrete Element Method (DEM), introduced by Cundall (Proc Symp Int'l Soc Rock Mech 2:129–132, 1971). Examples of the application of DEM to practical design problems and conclusions drawn from them are discussed. In some cases, results show important differences with the current procedures and empirical rules. Although most of the examples shown are drawn from mining, references are made to applications in other engineering fields, especially Civil Engineering and recent developments in Enhanced Geothermal Systems. Currently, the principal limitation to widespread application of DEM to rock engineering design problems is computational speed. This problem is one faced in many scientific and engineering disciplines, so it is anticipated that solutions will be developed in the coming several years. In the meantime, simpler representations of discrete fracture systems are used to develop valuable general insights to inform practical designs. Recent leadership by the US Department of Energy in rock mechanics research through FORGE and SubTER [Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE); Subsurface Science, Technology, Engineering, and R&D Crosscut (SubTER).] offers hope that the importance of subsurface engineering to the US is being recognized. A problem, mentioned recently by Hoek (2018) that needs to be addressed in the United States is that of developing an engineering workforce capable of applying analytical and numerical techniques sensibly to design in rock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The semiotic nature of design and engineering communications has often evaded direct interrogation; specifically the representation of requirements using multiple semiotic modes. This paper explores the semiotic character of requirement representation in the construction project design and engineering process by mobilising a social semiotic analytic framework to reveal how project artefacts (e.g. drawings; digital imagery; physical objects) are multimodal resources that critically affect stakeholder engagement and interpretation. The focused empirical study from a hospital construction project reveals the motivations and effects of multimodal and semiotic communicative choices of different parties (e.g. client; architect; engineer; design consultant) engaged on the same project; the representation (or not) of requirements via various semiotic modes being a social and political process. The contribution of the paper is in revealing the semiotic character of requirement representation and the relevance of semiotic-informed enquiry for an industry continuing to develop new technologies (e.g. virtual reality; BIM – building information modelling) for design and construction work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual Reality (VR) technology still needs to evolve, but as the pace of innovations accelerates, systems allow for more novel modes of visualization and interaction to support engineering design reviews. Currently, the classic design review process is often performed on a PC with the support of CAD software packages. However, CAD on a screen cannot always meet all the requirements in regard to the functional and ergonomic validations of complex 3D models. In this paper, the development and evaluation of a VR-based tool to support engineering design review is described. "VRSmart" visualizes CAD data and allows for an intuitive interaction. In a preliminary user study, the tool was checked for its usability and user experience. VRSmart was then evaluated in a real industrial environment and tested in an authentic design review. The results indicate that a VR-supported design review allows users to see slightly more faults in a 3D model than in a CAD software-based approach on a PC screen. Furthermore, VR reduces the risk of exclusion of certain professional groups from the design review process. In addition, the intuitive interaction with the VR system allowed for a much faster entry into the design review. In summary, VR will not replace the traditional design review process on screen, but it provides a useful addition to engineering companies. • A Virtual Reality engineering design review approach was compared to a traditional approach using CAD software on a screen. • Using Virtual Reality users were able to see more faults in a 3D engineering model. • Virtual Reality reduces the risk of exclusion of certain professional groups from the review process • Virtual Reality has potential to accelerate the design review process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If it is understood that engineers are 'turning dreams to reality,' then educators share the responsibility for supporting engineers in developing the capacities to consider the future impacts of their decisions. Yet even the most competent engineer's decisions can contribute to macro-ethical failures that arise from narrow problem framing, unevenly distributed risks and benefits, or design solutions unfit for their intended social and cultural contexts. This paper describes how macro-ethical failures can arise at different points in engineering design processes, and considers how competences associated with responsible innovation might assuage those vulnerabilities. To build those competences among future professional engineers, examples of pedagogical approaches are presented at three scales: activities, courses and curricula. For scholars and educators interested in engineering ethics, this article challenges approaches that favor individualistic understandings of responsibility, instead seeking to support learners' awareness of, and ability to, ameliorate macro-ethical failures. For scholars and educators interested in operationalizing responsible innovation as a learning outcome that aligns with engineering practice, we offer an entry point for that conversation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a design-based research project undertaken to test and implement an interest-based engineering challenges framework for pre-college students. This work is motivated by the need for innovative engineering education practices in pre-college settings, and making engineering more inclusive for people from diverse backgrounds. The design-based research methodology can be challenging to implement as it comprises of multiple, cyclical research activities that provide challenges in documenting and communicating the larger study's progress. This paper presents findings from this continuously evolving study, and also the design and implementation of this design-based research at roughly the halfway point for a four-year study. Each of the consequent versions scaffold to answer the broader research questions of the study pertaining to: engineering appealing to students' personal interests, empowering underrepresented groups to find meaningful connections to engineering, leading more authentic engagement in engineering and design practices, and improving students' attitudes and perception of engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to argue about the involvement of additive technologies (ATs) in the prototyping issues of designing. More precisely, it reviews the literature contributions focused on the different perspectives of prototyping activities for design purposes, searching for both available knowledge and research needs concerning the correct exploitation of ATs.Design/methodology/approach A two-step literature review has been performed. In the first step, general information has been retrieved about prototyping issues related to design. In the second step, the literature searches were focused on retrieving more detailed information about ATs, concerning each of the main issues identified in the previous step. Extracted information has been analyzed and discussed for understanding the actual coverage of the arguments and for identifying possible research needs.Findings Four generally valid prototyping issues have been identified in the first step of the literature review. For each of them, available information and current lacks have been identified and discussed about the involvement of AT, allowing to extract six different research hints for future works.Originality/value This is the first literature review concerning AT-focused contributions that cover the complex and inter-disciplinary issues characterizing prototyping activities in design contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to examine and contextualise the role of Blanche Thornycroft within her family business of John I. Thornycroft in the first half of the twentieth century. The role of Blanche in assisting her father and, after his death, the Thornycroft Company in collecting experimental data informed the design of many vessels. Her role in testing Coastal Motor Boats is explored using the archival material discovered during the ARHC funded project 'Business, government and the workplace: John I. Thornycroft & Company Limited, and the Great War'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For many engineering systems, current design methodologies do not adequately quantify and manage uncertainty as it arises during the design process, which can lead to unacceptable risks, increases in programmatic cost, and schedule overruns. This paper develops new sensitivity analysis methods that can be used to better understand and mitigate the effects of uncertainty in system design. In particular, a new entropy‐based sensitivity analysis methodology is introduced, which apportions output uncertainty into contributions due to not only the variance of input factors and their interactions, but also to features of the underlying probability distributions that are related to distribution shape and extent. Local sensitivity analysis techniques are also presented, which provide computationally inexpensive estimates of the change in output uncertainty resulting from design modifications. The proposed methods are demonstrated on an engineering example to show how they can be used in the design context to systematically manage uncertainty budgets—which specify the allowable level of uncertainty for a system—by helping to identify design alternatives, evaluate trade‐offs between available options, and guide decisions regarding the allocation of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hall effect is widely exploited in NDE for measuring unknown magnetic fields using a small piece of conducting material of known Hall coefficient. The Hall effect could also be exploited in NDE for measuring the unknown Hall coefficient of conducting materials using an applied magnetic field, but such measurements are fraught with difficulties because of the need to cut the specimen into a small piece similar to a Hall sensor, which of course is inherently destructive. This paper proposes a new technique for nondestructive Hall coefficient measurement based on inductive sensing of the Hall-Corbino current produced by an alternating current injected into the component under test. It is shown that inductive sensing offers numerous advantages over conventional alternating current potential drop techniques. Specifically, sufficiently high inspection frequencies can be used so that the penetration of both the injected primary current and the secondary Hall-Corbino current is limited by the electromagnetic skin depth. Simple analytical approximations are presented to predict the sensitivity of the proposed technique and to calculate the sought Hall coefficient of the material from the voltage induced in the sensing coils. These analytical approximations are first numerically validated by finite element simulations. Then, the results of measurements taken by the proposed new technique on C11000 electrical copper, Al3003 aluminum alloy, and IN718 nickel-base superalloy over a wide frequency range between 10 kHz and 10 MHz are presented to experimentally validate the analytical model. These results demonstrate that the proposed new technique could be used to exploit the recently found favorable stress-dependence of the Hall coefficient on applied stress for near-surface residual stress profiling in surface-treated components made of various metals and their alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to higher education (HE) has been a persistent concern for governments, practitioners and researchers. Access to HE has been widely studied from scientific perspectives that have focussed on the factors that contribute to the problem; however, authors have highlighted the need for systemic and design perspectives on education systems. The need to connect research with policy remains one of the most challenging issues for education researchers. In view of this gap, this paper argues that engineering thinking and methods represent an opportunity for the design of HE access policies because engineering rationality (distinct from scientific rationalities) matches the concerns and goals of any policymaking attempt. Engineers design artefacts to meet particular goals. These artefacts are artificial systems, tangible or intangible, such as hammers, bridges or whole organizations, which are designed in particular contexts to meet precise goals. Policies for access to HE are good examples of artefacts that seek to fulfil specific needs under concrete constraints inherent to a country or region. More specifically, HE systems are social systems; in other words, they are created and recreated by the interactions and decisions of diverse actors. Hence, to change, redesign or improve such types of systems involves engineering their very interactions that are the outcomes of institutional and human actions. In particular, engineering design requires operational principles. Thus, we propose agency as a fundamental design concept for the improvement of HE systems, which opens new possibilities for a distinct type of policy-making that takes excellent advantage of what engineering can offer, while at the same time expanding on traditional expectations for engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the requirements and needs for establishing a benchmarking protocol that considers representation characteristics, supported cognitive criteria, and enabled reasoning activities for the systematic comparison of function modeling representations. Problem types are defined as reverse engineering, familiar products, novel products, and single-component systems. As different modeling approaches share elements, a comparison of modeling approaches on multiple levels was also undertaken. It is recommended that researchers and developers of function modeling representations collaborate to define a canonically acceptable set of benchmark tests and evaluations so that clear benefits and weaknesses for the disparate collection of approaches can be compared. This paper is written as a call to action for the research community to begin establishing a benchmarking standard protocol for function modeling comparison purposes. This protocol should be refined with input from developers of the competing approaches in an academically open environment. At the same time, the benchmarking criteria identified should also serve as a guide for validating a modeling approach or analyzing its failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with modelling of rheological behavior of composite materials reinforced with fabric from used tires. By this method was analyzed the melt flow rate (MFR) and melt volume rate (MVR) for composite material with 10% fabrics by modeling of rheology system, using statistics concepts and language. The matrix of composite material is thermoplastic, namely polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which is a component in safety car glass. The results help for determination of the quality testing of materials and quality of the manufacturing processes used in engineering industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, an equilibrium problem for an elastic body with a thin elastic and a volume rigid inclusion is analyzed. It is assumed that the thin inclusion conjugates with the rigid inclusion at a given point. Moreover, a delamination of the thin inclusion is assumed. Inequality type boundary conditions are considered at the crack faces to prevent a mutual penetration between the faces. A passage to the limit is justified as the rigidity parameter of the thin inclusion goes to infinity. The main goal of the paper is to analyze an optimal control problem with a cost functional characterizing a deviation of the displacement field from a given function. A rigidity parameter of the thin inclusion serves as a control function. An existence theorem to this problem is proved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at presenting the experience of the Power Conversion project in teaching students to design a proof-of-principle contactless energy transfer system for the charging of electrical vehicles. The Power Conversion is a second-year electrical engineering (EE) project in which students are to gather and apply EE knowledge to design and test a system. This system is to work with power level and operates independent from an electricity grid. The instructional method used in this project is design-based learning (DBL). As an educational approach, DBL is to support students to gather and apply knowledge inopen-endedassignments. The set-up of the project has gone through different modifications and iterations in three consecutive years regarding the organisation and supervision of the students. We have analysed the students’ design products in the past three academic years in order to evaluate whether the project set-up and supervision have influenced students’ designs. Results indicate that theopen-endedcharacter of the project has a positive influence on the designs especially regarding the criteria on efficiency, Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithm and power tracking. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The archaeological contexts of different periods from Southern Patagonia (Chile and Argentina) frequently include materials showing evidence of pecking and polishing techniques. Functional analysis of these materials is essential in order to identify traces of manufacture and use, and therefore to help us understand the techno-economic organization of these hunter–gatherer societies. This paper presents the results of an experimental program on manufacture and use wear traces on pecked and polished artefacts. This analysis allowed us to recognize natural, taphonomic, and technological traces and to build a methodological framework for the analysis of archaeological artifacts. These results are relevant for the analysis of the archaeological record, since they imply that it will be possible to recognize these traces on tools made by polishing techniques that have subsequently been used with other types of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a mechanism through which better solutions are developed, creativity is well-recognised as an important part of the engineering design process, but has to date largely only been studied in general or in early design process stages. This paper aims to study the occurrence of creative behaviour in engineering design with a particular focus on the later design process stages. Through the application of a detailed coding scheme to two studies of engineers' work, this paper identifies patterns in creative behaviour through the design process stages, creative approaches employed by engineers, typical types of creative task, and fundamental differences within creative behaviour between early- and late-stage design. This understanding is then used to form ten characterisations of engineer behaviour within late-stage design, early-stage design, and throughout the design process. These characterisations can be used to direct future research and to improve the design process and output through development of specific, effective design support methods, selected to be appropriate to the design stage and type of creative behaviour that occurs within. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we propose two types of polymeric materials synthesized by us suitable to interact by assembling with DNA in order to obtain new NLO biomaterials. The first polymer is a methacrylic chromophore with azobenzene groups and carbazolyl sequences known for their carrying principles while the second one is a copolymer of the methacrylic chromophore with a N-substituted amide. The N-substituted amide is N-acryloyl morpholine already used in biological application and also because is compatible with DNA. Spectral characterization of these materials showed charge transfer interactions depending on the solvent. The results obtained indicate that these new polymeric/copolymeric chromophores could interact with DNA in order to obtain biomaterials for photonic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The test facility (TF) is one of the three major facilities of the International Fusion Material Irradiation Facility (IFMIF). Engineering designs of TF main systems and key components have been initiated and developed in the IFMIF EVEDA (Engineering Validation and Engineering Design Activities) phase since 2007. The related work covers the designs of a test cell which is the meeting point of the TF and accelerator facility and lithium facility, a series of test modules for experiments under different irradiation conditions, an access cell to accommodate remote handling systems, four test module handling cells for test module processing and assembling, and test facility ancillary systems for engineering support on energy, media, and control infrastructure. This paper summarizes the principle functions, brief specifications, and the current design status of the above mentioned IFMIF TF systems and key components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conceptual modeling languages are purposeful artifacts, hence their design should also start from the purpose that they serve. Such purposeful design addresses the requirements engineering concern of a language specification being aligned with the goals of its users. Thereby relevance of the language is ensured, instead of developing a language for language's sake. We posit that this addresses some known issues that are due to a misalignment between a language's specification and the goals of its intended users. In this paper, we introduce vGREL, a goal- and value-oriented approach for purposeful language development. vGREL helps language engineers to start the design of conceptual modeling languages with requirements engineering exercises. To this end vGREL provides (1) a purpose driven requirements engineering process for language design; (2) a value profile for the Goal-oriented Requirements Language (GRL) to enable analysis and reasoning during the process and capture its results; and leverages (3) the software tool support of GRL for decision making during language design. To illustrate vGREL, we apply it to a case study on responsibility-based access rights management. Furthermore, we present reflections on vGREL from the language engineer involved in the case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constrained optimization is very important issue in engineering design. The problem of constrained optimization contains the objective function with linear and nonlinear constraint equations. In this paper the Improved Cuckoo Search (ICS) algorithm has been applied for solving problems of constrained engineering optimization, which gives better solutions than the standard CS algorithm and the other optimization algorithms used in solving engineering problems from the literature. In the proposed ICS algorithm, dynamic change of parameters of probability and step size is introduced, which are constant in the standard algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is required the favorable controlled flight performance in full speed bound and wide flight airspace, wide range of mobility and horizontal landing capability for suborbital reusable launch vehicle (SR-LV), which involve many field of aerodynamic problem: the subsonic, transionic, supersonic, hypersonic and rarefied field. Therefore the advanced aerodynamic configure design technology is one of the key technology for develop of SRLV. In this paper, engineering optimization method with Kriging response surface method is adopted to optimization flight aerodynamic characteristic with the engineering restriction for SR-LV, the aerodynamic configure satisfied with the requirement is found. New method may be used to engineering design, and enhance the work efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]